Sciencewise has shared its experience of dialogue with the public and stakeholders on nuclear energy issues with Washington Core, a US-Japan nuclear energy research and consultancy firm working with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) on nuclear energy issues. The initial contact in January 2016 explained the context for their interest in Sciencewise:

“As Japan reviews the country’s regulatory framework to ensure the safety of nuclear power plants after the 2011 Fukushima Accident, the Japanese Government has acknowledged the growing importance of the public’s engagement in the decision making processes underlying nuclear energy production. METI has taken special interest in Sciencewise’s activities to facilitate effective public dialogue for government organizations. We would like to gain your insights on the approaches/strategies on how to carry out effective dialogue with different stakeholders on a sensitive topic, how to design public engagement session as well as evaluation of such session.”

After the meeting with the Sciencewise team, the contact explained (29 February 2016) that:

“I have learned the elements of effective public engagement, but more importantly, the underlying mindset that leads to successful public dialogue. The Sciencewise expert team shared valuable information that will provide the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and industries with insights to strengthen the community relationship and the culture of dialogues in the organizations.”